Brushing your teeth and flossing are two fundamental and effective ways to increase the health of your teeth.

However, should you neglect these fundamental processes, it will result in the buildup of plaque in between and around your teeth.

That’s where Zinc comes in. Zinc is prevalent in antibacterial agents such as mouthwash and certain toothpaste.

There is also data that shows a decline of plaque in a person’s mouth as zinc density in saliva increased.(5)

This data was the prequel to a study done to observe the effects zinc had on oral hygiene.​(6)

4. Zinc promotes libido

Libido is very important for people, especially these days when the media and television thrive on enhancing people's libido.

Zinc has been shown to enhance libido, so adding it to your diet might mean that you get more benefits than fresh breath and healthy skin – you could surprise your partner in the bedroom next time you're together.(7)(8)

Zinc improves libido, particularly in men, but in women as well, by enhancing blood flow to the genital region.

This helps men overcome erectile dysfunction, and increases stimulation and pleasure in the areas for both genders.

5. Zinc helps and prevents osteoporosis

Zinc is a nutrient that’s good at fighting osteoarthritis, which is a painful degenerative condition that tends to show up as people grow old.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease which makes bones weaker causing discomfort and pain.

Zinc is particularly effective at improving the health of bones and joints. Because of this, regular zinc supplementation is one of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis.(9)

It's particularly useful for improving bone density, which is incredibly useful for preventing this disease.

Zinc will better protect you from developing osteoarthritis, but it can also help ease the condition if you've already developed it.​

6. Zinc reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease is a huge problem in globally, and it's only becoming more popular.

Little known to many people is that zinc is actually a good fighter against cardiovascular diseases.(10)

Zinc fights the battle against cardiac disease up close and personal - it helps strengthen the cell walls of our arteries, and it also helps regulate your heartbeat to ensure your body sends and receives enough oxygen through its bloodstream.​

It's often coupled with magnesium and calcium at the pharmacy because the three minerals work together to help boost your neurotransmitters to healthy levels.

If you don't get enough of these minerals, conversely, depression is often part of the side effects of deficiency.

Clinical studies have been done that involved supplementing zinc for people with severe depression. The results were that symptoms were reduced in many cases.​

11. Zinc helps in hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland is not capable of producing enough hormone, which can lead to a whole bunch ofunpleasant problems.

Hypothyroidism can leave to an irregular heartbeat, sweating, sudden weight gain, and more.(16)

Zinc can help reduce the chances of developing hypothyroidism because the condition is often caused by a deficiency of zinc in the first place.(17)

It works best when coupled with other nutrients such as copper and magnesium.​

12. Zinc reduces the risk of lungs cancer

Zinc is a good way to fight lung cancer, at least as indicated in several studies that were done to evaluate the effect of various nutrients on the human body.

People with a regular, high intake of zinc were shown to have up to 42% less likelihood of developing lung cancer compared to people who were deficient in zinc.(18)

While those don't prove a definite causal link between zinc consumption and cancer, it’s more likely to suggest that zinc deficiency makes a person more susceptible to getting lung cancer.​

Caution to use when taking Zinc

Zinc is a great essential mineral, however, like every great thing, caution should be paid when considering a supplemental regime with zinc.

You should not take zinc if you have or are susceptible to cancer, copper deficiency, kidney disease, lung disease, nervous system disorders.

You be careful taking zinc supplements if you’re supplementing your diet with citric acid, other cancer preventers, ACE inhibitors, folic acid and fiber supplements, and should generally check with your doctor before starting any new supplement regime.

Zinc supplements and alcohol should be taken with caution.​

Conclusion

Zinc’s a great mineral that doesn’t get the respect it deserves.

Deficiency of zinc can have a lot of nasty side effects and it's important to avoid that from happening before you have to deal with all the unpleasantness.​